CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Garage Talk => Topic started by: bheston on March 26, 2018, 07:11:17 PM
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Just shopping around and these seem to be the biggest (perhaps there are others). This is relative to prices, in-stock, fast shipping, quality, customer service.
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I have used both. Ricks people I think know Camaro parts well and Classic is really good about returns. Classic sent a friend 3 doors until he was satisfied with the fit, no problem.
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I like Steve's Camaros in South San Francisco, Ca. Knowledge of 67-69 Camaros (& parts ) is outstanding.
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I've used National Parts Depot (NPD), Classic Industries, and Heartbeat City...
I have no complaints with any of them.
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i used Ricks once and never again.
I ordered a heater core and a distributor cap that was supposed to be like the "original show ready" The cap was tan!!
The heater core was in a box and they just put it in their box. The inside box was damaged and sure enough the core was too. There is no reason they should have sent me a damaged box.
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I'll add a couple - Camaro Central for one (used them many times, good people to deal with, plus they show up at some shows (so they'll bring parts for pick up at the shows, a real boon if you have something fragile you don't want UPS to bang up), and Parts Place. In a pinch you can order from Classic Headquarters in Athens, GA, although they prefer you buy through their distributor network. You'll notice more than a passing past connection to Rick's (owned by Eckler's now), which for a long time was one of the best in the country in terms of correct parts, great service and attention to detail. I've ordered a lot of parts over the years when I can't find GM OE, NOS or dealer locator surplus, and had good luck with most of them. Take your pick -
Regards,
Steve
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I have ordered from Ricks, or Eckler's. two times and have yet to receive usable parts.
One set of fuel lines from pump to carb came in a bag that was torn open, a new tag over a old one, with missing parts. What was there did not fit.
They refunded my money on both occasions, but two times was the charm for me.
Have been buying from D & R Classics in Illinois (https://www.drclassic.com/catalog/Camaro) with pretty good results.
They usually ship the same day you order, and have good knowledge and service.
Randy
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In the past, Classic industries shows a lot of parts in the catalog but they do not actually have them. They put many customers on the dreaded "backorder forever" plan. You wait and wait but it never comes. Not sure if they still do it today.
NPD, D&R, the old Ricks were pretty reliable.
There are also some other well known vendors/experts that are not worthy of trust and you need to be sure to "know your parts" yourself and keep all transactions face to face. If they can find any old incorrect, worn out or just plain wrong junk to put in a box and ship it to you, they will. They DO know better.
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I deal with Steve's Camaro in San Bruno, CA because he is local and has great service. All he does is 67-69. Dave
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I don't buy many reproduction parts, but when I have for some reason I've enjoyed dealing with John and Mara Firestone at Bowtie Muscle Parts...
https://www.google.com/search?q=Bowtie+Muscle+parts&rlz=1C1EODB_enUS531US531&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=kzikBhiQNxsZtM%253A%252C_J4pTJN6egQ9rM%252C_&usg=AFrqEzce8-6uRUqiUxaoCm9VCjBeiSlrMg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwji59Ofj4jdAhURRa0KHdK1CAYQ9QEwBXoECAUQBg#imgrc=kzikBhiQNxsZtM:
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Classic and NPD....
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corrected link for Bowtie Muscle Patrs
https://www.bowtiemuscleparts.com
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Thanks Eldon, I was in too much of a rush when I did that link~ :)
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I have used NPD, as it was quick shipping and reasonably priced, they just never had all the correct parts if you are wanting close to original stuff. Ive been using Rick's for a couple years now and have had no issues with them so far.
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Forum members that live in the country of Texas should call Patti or Kerri at Firewheel Classics.
They are in Wiley, just north of Dallas. Very good prices, several specials run throughout the year, THE best customer service ever! 1-800-711-0125
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I like Rick's Camaro Parts better.
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I used Rick's for many years, but they changed when the became Eklers. My current favorites are D&R in Illinois. (used them for years also) and Camaro Central in Kentucky. Ground-up in Connecticut does well too. Over the 35+ years of owning my 69 I've used them all.
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There are many suppliers and I use numerous ones. They do not stock all the same quality parts. Some change their sheetmetal suppliers, others change other parts suppliers. If you do this everyday it is a job in itself to keep up. Some have good used parts, others have shipped me used parts that were defective which equates to wasted labor. Good luck, there are no constants in this business. You have to find out which manufacturer makes the best part, find the supplier who sells that part, then verify they offer it on the day of purchase. If any issues make sure they eat the return shipping and if not, find another supplier. Have fun.